Forces which change shape

Introduce the notion that some forces happen because objects are stretched or squashed. Develop the ideas that:. Students should observe and discuss situations where things are being stretched or squashed by large and small forces.

It would be helpful for them to feel the forces being exerted by the things that have been stretched or squashed so they can verify the existence of the forces involved. Students are often surprised to hear that bridges are designed to bend when cars travel over them and that tall buildings are designed to sway in high winds or during earth tremors. Invite students to discuss how they would go about measuring whether a tall building or a motorway was moving in a high wind.

Our website uses a free tool to translate into other languages. This tool is a guide and may not be accurate. For more, see: Information in your language. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Conservation of Energy 3. Waves 4. Radioactivity 6. Astronomy 7. Energy — Forces Doing Work 8. Static Electricity Electromagnetic Induction Particle Model Author: Katie Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University.

She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential. Bend an object's ends past each other, eg when an Olympic diver stands on the end of a diving board. Pull an object's ends apart, eg when a rubber band is stretched. Push an object's ends together, eg when an empty drinks can is squashed.